Luxembourg residents have been urged to report sightings of dead or sick animals in a park close to the capital to authorities after a series of recent deaths attributed to rat poisoning.
Any cases should be reported immediately to the wildlife centre or a forest guard, the nature and veterinary and food administrations said in a joint statement on Friday.
The call comes after several wild birds – crows, starlings and doves – were found dead in Cessange park, close to the capital, at the start of the month.
The animals died due to poisoning, the administrations explained. An examination found high concentrations of a rodenticidal active substance – only allowed to be used in rat poison for indoor use – in the birds.
“If you find dead wild animals in the park of Cessange or in the immediate vicinity, please report this to the responsible forester (tel: 621 202 196 or 621 202 110). If you see wild animals that look sick or are behaving unusually, please call the wildlife centre in Dudelange (tel: 26 51 39 90),” the administration said.
“If you suspect poisoning in humans or pets, consult a doctor or vet immediately,” the statement added, urging people to report cases to the dedicated poison emergency helpline on 8002 5500.